AI Impact Summit 2026 Concludes with Adoption of New Delhi Declaration on AI Governance

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a frontier technology — it is a defining force shaping economies, societies and global power structures. At the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, world leaders and international organisations came together to chart a shared path forward. The adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, endorsed by 88 countries, signals a decisive step toward responsible AI governance, inclusive innovation and global cooperation in the age of intelligent technologies.

The AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi on 18–19 February 2026, concluded with the formal adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, marking a pivotal moment in global Artificial Intelligence governance and international cooperation.

Bringing together governments, policymakers, industry leaders, and international organisations, the Summit positioned India at the center of the global conversation on responsible AI development, AI governance frameworks, and inclusive digital transformation.

The Declaration signals a collective commitment to ensuring that AI technologies are developed, deployed, and scaled in ways that are ethical, secure, sustainable, and beneficial to humanity.

88 Countries and Organisations Endorse the New Delhi Declaration

The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact received endorsement from 88 countries and international organisations, reflecting a broad international consensus on the need for coordinated AI governance.

The Declaration is voluntary, collaborative, and future-oriented, providing a shared global framework to promote:

• Responsible AI deployment

• Inclusive AI ecosystems

• Ethical AI innovation

• Sustainable AI for development

• Cross-border digital cooperation

This wide endorsement underscores the growing recognition that AI governance requires multilateral collaboration to harness AI for economic growth, social good, and sustainable development.

Guiding Philosophy: “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya”

The Summit was anchored in the principle:

“Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya”(Welfare for All, Happiness for All)

This philosophy reflects India’s vision of AI for global public good, emphasizing that Artificial Intelligence must serve humanity equitably and responsibly. It reinforces the idea that AI innovation should not deepen divides but instead foster shared prosperity, social inclusion, and digital equity.

Seven Pillars of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact

The Declaration is structured around seven strategic pillars (chakras) designed to guide global collaboration in AI governance and deployment:

1. Democratizing AI Resources – Expanding access to computing power, datasets, and AI infrastructure.

2. Economic Growth and Social Good – Leveraging AI for inclusive economic development and public services.

3. Secure and Trusted AI – Strengthening cybersecurity, safety standards, and trustworthy AI systems.

4. AI for Science – Accelerating scientific research through AI-driven innovation.

5. Access for Social Empowerment – Bridging the digital divide and enabling underserved communities.

6. Human Capital Development – Building AI skills, reskilling workforces, and promoting AI education.

7. Resilient, Efficient, and Innovative AI Systems – Ensuring sustainability, energy efficiency, and system robustness.

Together, these pillars establish a roadmap for global AI cooperation, AI regulation dialogue, and sustainable digital transformation, particularly supporting developing and emerging economies.

Voluntary Global Initiatives to Operationalise the Declaration

To translate the Declaration’s vision into action, participating nations agreed on several voluntary global AI initiatives, including:

• Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI

• Global AI Impact Commons

• Trusted AI Commons

• International Network of AI for Science Institutions

• AI for Social Empowerment Platform

• AI Workforce Development Playbook and Reskilling Principles

• Guiding Principles on Resilient and Efficient AI

These initiatives aim to promote:

• Cross-border knowledge sharing

• Responsible AI standards

• Workforce upskilling and AI talent development

• Secure and ethical AI ecosystems

• Sustainable AI innovation

  
  

A Defining Moment for Global AI Governance

The adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact marks a significant milestone in shaping a balanced, inclusive, and globally coordinated AI governance framework.

At a time when Artificial Intelligence is reshaping economies, industries, and societies, the AI Impact Summit 2026 reinforces the importance of multilateral dialogue, ethical AI standards, and sustainable digital innovation.

With strong international backing, the Declaration positions India as a key convening power in the global AI ecosystem and sets the stage for deeper collaboration in building a trusted, inclusive, and future-ready AI world.